The thesis is focused on the research of THz antenna arrays to be used for communications. Attention is turned to modeling metallic surfaces at THz frequencies, a proper characterization of gold conductivity, its relation to Drude model and corresponding measurements. Moreover, the best methods for modeling thin metallic layers (depending on the skin depth related to the metal thickness) are presented.
An optimized element of a THz 2×2 antenna array designed for the application of communications is developed in a way that enables an expansion to a larger array. The expansion ability is demonstrated on a 4×4 antenna array which is presented in the thesis too. The designed antennas achieve parameters better than the state-of-art antennas. The presented antennas radiate circularly polarized wave at THz frequencies, operate in a wide bandwidth, have a high gain and are of a compact size.
In the thesis, an 8×8 antenna array with a beam steering capability is presented. The main beam of the antenna array can be controlled in two dimensions. A high gain of the radiated circularly-polarized wave can be achieved that way.
Different approaches to modeling antennas with thin metallic layers are compared and the best methods are recommended from the viewpoint of different requirements. The designed 2×2 and 4×4 antenna arrays are manufactured using a microfabrication technology. Each step of the fabrication is described in detail and discussed. The reflection coefficient at the input of antennas is measured and compared with simulations. Discrepancies in results are associated with surface roughness which is analyzed by a scanning probe microscope and a scanning electron microscope.
By down-scaling the developed THz antenna, a low-profile high-gain antenna for Ka-band space applications is designed. The presented antenna achieves better results than state-of-art CubeSat antennas. The antenna performance is verified by a prototype to be operated at 9 GHz, and the radiation characteristics are experimentally confirmed.